Internet TV - Will It Replace Satellite TV & Cable TV?
The arrival of Internet TV means you now have the chance to also watch satellite TV and cable TV on the internet.
There are various methods you can use to watch TV on the internet and they are evolving all the time.
Does this mean the end of satellite TV dish systems and satellite or cable TV subscriptions? Maybe, maybe not. It probably depends on 3 things.
1. Whether the programs you want to watch are available on the internet yet.
2. Whether you have a high speed internet connection and a fast, modern PC.
3. Whether you are willing to watch TV on your PC, probably on a smaller screen and to use a service that is not as easy to use or convenient as satellite TV or cable TV.
As you would expect for a free service, there are some drawbacks when you watch TV via the internet. Speed is one. There may be many people trying to catch the same show as you, so there might be thousands of viewers accessing the TV websites simultaneously. Clearly, this is going to slow down the streaming speed.
Needing to install stuff into PCs is another drawback. Plus you need a modern PC and a high speed internet connection.
However, internet TV is getting better all the time and it won’t be too long before you will be able to watch satellite TV on the internet without a monthly subscription, or needing an satellite TV dish installation, or being a “PC guru”.
Today, there are essentially 3 ways to watch Satellite TV or Cable TV over the internet.
1. Use Satellite TV Websites
You can use a selection of satellite TV websites that offer free TV broadcasts. This includes websites like Wfitv.com, ChannelChooser.com and BeelineTV.com. You can use these to watch satellite TV on the internet without paying a subscription.
These are free TV channels broadcast for public viewing. You can actually find several decent satellite TV channels to watch. It really is not so bad if you just want to catch a TV show in your leisure time and since it is free, why not?
2. Use PC Hardware - a “PCTV” Card
PCTV cards are installed into your computer that will enable your PC to access satellite TV channels – potentially you can get access hundreds of satellite TV channels. Again, the viewing of internet satellite TV channels is free as the programs are what people call free-to-air or FTA TV.
The drawbacks are the cards are not cheap. especially the multi-functional and branded ones and there is some “messing about” needed to install and get it working..
3. Use Satellite TV Software for Your PC
PC satellite TV software delivers more than 2000 satellite TV channels directly onto your computer. The satellite TV channels are from international FTA TV stations, including thousands of English language stations.
These screen programs including the latest movies, TV shows, geographic channels, local and world news, LIVE sports, music videos and so on. As a bonus, you also get to watch foreign language channels.
In terms of cost, it is much cheaper than PCTV cards and installation is simpler for most people.
Summary
As described above, internet TV is getting better all the time and it won’t be too long before you will be able to watch satellite TV on the internet without a monthly subscription.
However, right now if you value convenience and just want to be able to just sit down in front of the TV and use the remote, keep your subscription.
